The Perfect Gift From Spain

Once I reach Santiago, 

I often find myself shopping 

for friends and family.

As a minimalist, 

I am looking for a "needful thing,"

not something that will end up 

in next year's yard sale

or in the landfill.

For me, 

the perfect gift

is Spanish saffron!

Saffron is the stigma of the Crocus sativus,

a pretty little flower known as the saffron crocus.

It takes approximately 70,000 flowers

to make up one pound of saffron.

At $2,000 to $10,000 per pound,

it is one of the most expensive and most sought after spices

in the world.

Saffron is the spice used 

to make paella that beautiful golden color.

It's also used in other soups, stews,

and often in East Indian dishes.

I found Spanish Saffron in Santiago!

These little boxes carry 2 grams of the whole spice,

and are only €6.

This amount of excellent quality Saffron would cost you

many times more in the USA.

These larger boxes carry 50 packets (sobres)

of the ground spice

and they are under €20 per box.

Inside are two rows of packets,

each filled with 0.12 grams of ground spice,

enough for most dishes.

Where to buy saffron:

I'm sure you can find it in many shops in Santiago.

My favorite place is JUST as you come into 

the Plaza Cervantes in Santiago.

To your left ,

at Number 9,

you will find a tiny store

called Cepeda.

Ask him to show you his Azafran.

There are other nice gifts in the window.

I've gone through customs with 

as many as 10 boxes,

no problem.

So stock up!

It keeps forever in the freezer.

Happy Shopping!

Annie